[FROM THE MEDIA] A conservation report has been prepared for the establishment of an interpretive center in the Rector's Palace in Ston.

For the purpose of the project TAKE IT SLOW, a conservation report has been prepared for the Rector's Palace in Ston. The palace is protected within the Cultural-Historical Complex of Ston. As part of the project implementation, the establishment of an interpretive center of the Mediterranean heritage is planned, with the goal of acquainting guests with the rich natural and cultural heritage and serving as a dispersal element for further visits to Pelješac and other parts of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County.

The Interpretive Center will serve as a multidisciplinary, multimedia space where various forms of art, design, presentations, and events will showcase typical products, traditional land cultivation and production, customs, way of life, and the destination itself. The historical and cultural significance of the Rector's Palace is naturally linked to its public and social purpose.

During the time of the Dubrovnik Republic, from its construction until 1815, the Rector's Palace served as the residence for the Rector of Ston and as a prison. The building underwent several renovations and reconstructions, with significant ones occurring in the 16th century, after World War II, and following the earthquake of 1996. Despite numerous alterations and changes, the Rector's Palace has still retained its core structure dating back to the 16th century. However, the spatial organization of this building is much older. The palace had a public and social purpose and was used for organizing social events and promoting cultural activities.

"The Lifestyle on the Adriatic as Inspiration for Sustainable Development" (acronym "TAKE IT SLOW") is a strategic bilateral project that has been approved and co-financed under the EU Transnational Cooperation Programme INTERREG Italy-Croatia 2014-2020, led by the Dubrovnik-Neretva County. The project is designed to manage and promote the Adriatic as a green, smart, sustainable, and accessible cross-border tourist destination. The project focuses on small communities on islands, the coast, and the Adriatic's interior, rich in material and immaterial heritage, which have preserved an authentic lifestyle adapted to their natural environment. The project is worth over 3.716.238,63 euros, with 85 percent of the funding coming from the European Regional Development Fund. The Dubrovnik-Neretva County has 6.5 million kuna at its disposal for this project.

Source: Dubrovački vjesnik